2007 Lexus IS 350

Absolutely. Press the pushbutton start and bring to life a 3.5-liter V6 pumping out an impressive (and best in class) 306 horsepower and equally stout 277 lb.-ft. of torque. How important is horsepower in this class? Last year, BMW's 330i produced a less-than-competitive 255-hp/220 lb.-ft of torque; for 2007 the new turbocharged 335i pushes that to 300 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of twist. And Infiniti's all new G35 matches the IS with 306 horsepower. No coincidence there!


In the IS, this power is delivered in Lexus-like fashion; turbine-smooth and capable of snapping off impressive 0-60 times in the mid-5 second range. Unlike some of the competition, the IS 350 isn't available with a manual transmission (the smaller-engine IS 250 is), but does please the driver with a crisp-shifting 6-speed automatic with manual mode featuring steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters for that Formula 1 feel.

Power

In the handling department, the IS 350 is taught, responsive and (thankfully) rear-wheel drive. The previous IS was a joy to drive, with a more European feel than any other Lexus models, which tends to swap out some response for refinement. We're glad to see the IS 350 continuing in the previous model's tracks.


A couple of things show how serious Lexus is about their tagline the "passionate pursuit of perfection." Even though the IS was only introduced a year ago, for 2007, a switch now lets you turn off the standard VDIM dynamic control system. While a real boon in daily driving—especially in slick conditions—the VDIM had a nasty habit of cutting in and shutting down the fun early when driven very aggressively. As an added enhancement, a new X Package option gives an even more dedicated sport suspension, hooked up to handsome 18-inch alloy wheels.


Another pleasant surprise, Lexus offers an available Pre-Collision System (PCS) that includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which employs millimeter-wave radar to keep you a set distance from the vehicle ahead. The PCS system compares the radar data with factors including speed, steering angle and yaw rate to determine if a collision is unavoidable. If it does, the system preemptively retracts the front seat and makes sure that added braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal. This kind of technology was only previously found in luxury maker's top models like the Mercedes S-Class, and Lexus' own LS model.